Smile

Have you ever heard a song that perpetually put you in a good mood? A song that lifts your spirits, that reminds you of all the wonderful things in your life? I believe I have found that song - every time I hear it, no matter how bad the day, I smile. I guess that was the point considering the name of said song is.....Smile by Uncle Kracker. I don't know if he wrote the song or if he just sang it but I've got to tell you - he definitely got it right. This quote from the song "...and the moments when my good time start to fade, you make me smile..." reminds me of my girls. I can be having the worst day ever when it feels like I can't do anything right, they notice me. They offer me unconditional acceptance and understanding. They offer their hearts completely and make me feel like the sun has deigned me worthy of light again. It's the most remarkable thing you can experience. When I think of how amazing they really are, it astounds me how truly blessed I am to be loved by such infinitely compassionate beings. I guess maybe that's why this song makes me so happy, that my smile cannot be contained - this song is my girls. I know there must be that one person in the world this song will make you think of. So go listen to this song, then come back here and give me my answer: How long did it take before your face broke into a huge grin? : )

Song of the Day (Obviously): "Smile" by Uncle Kracker

No More Numbers, I Promise

So I'm not counting how many day since I started this blog. Too tedious to figure out if I've missed a day of two. LOL! You know me - I like to keep it simple. So I'm been wondering about my blog and I've realized that I haven't really been putting a lot lately in here that will show my kids the kind of person I am. So, I've decided that I'm going to work on that. Up until now, my writing has been so scattered, because I wasn't sure what to write sometimes. But I've decided after reading my friend's blog, it's all about writing what you're thinking at exactly that moment in time. Not trying to figure out the most interesting thing that happened that day. It's about the feelings racing through you, and just pouring them out onto the screen. I am hoping this will help me do justice to this adventure. : ) So here goes nothing - take this ride with me and we'll see where it all ends up. : )

Day 24

Hello my girls. It's been a rough day today - your father and I are fighting. Nothing you should be worried about, although that statement is actually really funny when you consider that by the time you read this your father and I will be older than dirt. LOL! I just hate it when Big Daddy and I argue. It always stinks no matter what we're arguing about. I'm sure when you girls get married you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

So today, I was lazy - I did the dishes and I ironed your dad's clothes for tomorrow for work. That's about it. We even went to Burger King for dinner, so I didn't even cook. I just didn't feel all that great - I ended up taking a nap too - I've just been so tired lately. I'm beginning to think that there's something wrong with my thyroid. I guess it's time to get tested.

Right now, I'm watching CSI: New York. I'm tired so I'm probably going to hit the sack soon but I had to see this show. The preview they showed on it looked awesome, and anyway I love all the CSI shows. They're cop shows so I can't complain! I love most law enforcement shows - Bones (my favorite), NCIS,  all the Law and Order shows, Numb3rs, Criminal Minds. I love them all. : ) Okay girls - I'm off of here. Love you so much.

Song of the Day: "You Had A Bad Day" by Daniel Powter

Day 21 (Oops - I've missed a lot)

I got up today and we girls - Deanna, Tori, and I - decided to dress our dog Abby up. It was actually pretty cute and funny. We had to change our selection once because Abby was just a little bit bigger than we had anticipated. Even with a larger dress we still couldn't get it buttoned up all the way. LOL! 

 She looked so cute and she was a really good sport about it - for a while at least. Then after a while, she started chewing it and ended up tearing the sleeve before I could get it off of her! :) It's a good thing that it wasn't one of Tori's really nice dresses. LOL!

 Anyway, we had a pretty good day yesterday - you girls seemed to enjoy yourselves a lot. Although what kid doesn't love going to Chuck E. Cheese to play all those games? LOL! You girls practically screamed when Daddy told you we were going to Chuck E. Cheese. Tori ended up getting nothing but candy as her prizes - not a real surprise there; and Deanna was a bit more long term minded on hers. She decided on a soccer bracelet and a twisty straw. Of course she also got some candy too. Then it was off to the Chinese buffet. Yum. Tori ate nothing but mussels. I have never seen any kid so obsessed with those things! :) She was really enjoying them. The interesting part of the day was when I got the nerve to try out a California roll - which was not bad, but it didn't have much of a taste to it. Which makes me wonder if it was a true California roll. Who knows? Anyway, the point is that I don't usually like to try things like that. So go me! LOL!

It really was a great family day - we even all took a walk together. Even Abby. It was a bit tough, because Abby wanted to go in a different direction that we were going the whole time. It was kind of funny too because Tori was dragging her feet (she's not all that fond of walking a lot) and fussing because she said she was tired. How funny that she can run around the yard all day and jump on the trampoline but walking kills her. She was such a hoot!  We made a stop halfway through the walk and just lounged on the grass enjoying the breeze. It was the perfect day for our walk.  It was really nice to spend so much of the day just hanging out together. It seems like we never have the opportunity to do that. It's sad that much of our lives is so busy. I'm so glad we were able to have such a great day - I only hate it that Summer wasn't here to enjoy it with us. I guess we'll just have to have another one like it when she's here. : )

Song of the Day: "Cats In The Cradle" by Harry Chapin  

(great song that shows what life is like when you don't make time to spend with your family)

Day 16 (Oops - missed Day 15)

So today was the second day that you girls got to buy both breakfast and lunch at school. You have all been bugging me about wanting to buy your lunch everyday. Believe me - it was a pretty big load off of me to let you guys buy your lunches. It takes a good bit of ingenuity to come up different lunch ideas so you wouldn't get bored. LOL! I guess it's also more cool for you to buy it than to bring it - oh the intricate workings of the adolescent mind. You got home just a few minutes ago and of you're hyped up and chattering like crazy. It was your picture day today and you all looked so cute. Deanna had to dress up like she was going to church, Summer had to have her hair wavy, and Tori of course couldn't have cared less what she looked like.

It's so funny how you're all so different in the way you think. You're such powerful individuals and that's an awesome thing. To know that you're like no one else in the world. I hope each of you girls will realize how wonderful it is to be unique. I know there will come a point in time when you feel like to be accepted you will have to be like everyone else. The truth is that there will be people that will want you to be a certain way, and those people will not be able to appreciate you for who you really are. Those are the people that aren't worth your time. You need to surround yourselves with people who respect you for standing up for what you believe in, who will be cool with the fact that you are your own person. Those types of people are the ones that will stand by you even if you don't always agree.

I know you girls are going to make some mistakes; you'll make some bad choices, but that's life. That's all a part of growing up - trust me...we've all been there. : ) You're going to be in situations where you don't feel like you can take anyone else's experiences for it - you're going to have to make some choices and they may not always be the best choices. But don't worry - everything will work out. Life has a way of coming back around again. You girls are all so very bright - I know you're going to be just fine.  Just remember - I believe in you all so much and I know you're going to make a huge difference in the world.
 

Song of the Day: "Someone Who Believes In You"  by Air Supply

From the desk of Dad

Well as you can see from the Video you guys really did not like Abby that much.......right and I have beachfront property in Denver....HAHAH, you guys were beside yourselves. Me and your Mom have wanted to do this for you guys for so long, Abby is a great addition to our family. Ofcourse we still have to work on Torry, she keeps calling Abby - That dog - and Torry was the first one to get her feet stepped on by Abbys toenails. I will post all the rest of the pics after this. It also gives me an idea for me and your mother. It is great writing to you but it would be cool to upload a video of me and your Mom once and a while. Hay Mom you getting this, you could video yourself making the dishes you talked about and it would be great for them in case you ever got old timers or something ;-0 ROTFLOL. Anyway I am here at work on a Sunday and we have fed 13 people woohooo! boringggg. Love ya DAD.

Day 14

It's actually really late on Day 13 or really early on Day 14, depending on how you look at it. : ) For me, it's more like Saturday night. I've had a rough day, after talking to my sister, and I've seen it turn into a better day when Robert and Sandy came over. Lots of fun - those two. And things got even better when I was able to talk to one of my old friends tonight. I had forgotten how much I loved talking to Danielle. It was funny to discover that even though so many years had passed, our lives had taken such parallel paths. We both married older men, we both became mother to some amazing girls, we both have worked toward great relationships with our fathers, and we both struggle with our relationships with our sister. It's a wonderful feeling to talk about things and hash the emotions and fears with someone who knows exactly what you mean. Someone who's been there. I'm so thankful that Danielle and I have this second chance to be close again, and it makes me realize how sorry I am that we didn't keep in touch all those years ago. I have a feeling that we could have been a great comfort to each other. I hate that so much time has passed, but at least we have from now on to make the effort to be there for each other and enjoy our friendship.

I hope you girls will take today's post and understand what I'm telling you. You don't want to live with the regrets of the past. You will find friends in your lifetime - true friends I pray. And there will come a time, when life gets busy and it will become more difficult to find the time. I'm hoping that you girls will remember that it's worth it to stay in touch with the friends you care about, who care about you. Don't let life get so busy that you don't take your friends with you. That's what I did; I allowed my busy life to sweep me along and I forgot to take my friends with me. And today we're all so scattered  and involved with our own lives. We keep in touch a bit now and then, but it's not like it was before. Because we have drifted away from each other. I hope you don't allow that to happen in your friendships. They are so important; you never know when that friend will need you or when you'll need them. If you've drifted away from each other, how will you know when that time comes? Trust me, my girls - you'll never regret making the effort to stay close to your friends.  I love you girls so much and I want a better life for you than I had. I guess it's that way for most parents. I don't want you to make my mistakes - I want you to use them to make better choices. What an easier road it will be if you only take my advice to heart. Live beautifully girls and live selflessly.

Song of the Day: "My Old Friend" by Tim McGraw ( Just realized yesterday's was Tim McGraw too. LOL!)

Day 13 (Oops - missed Day 12)

So anyway, I meant to get on here yesterday. I wanted to record when we actually got Abby. We picked her up yesterday and she's been great. She's loving and fun. She's got a lot of energy, but she's not overly hyper even though she's only a year old. You girls practically screamed when you got off the bus yesterday. It was priceless! And we were so happy to have made you all so happy. I know you've been waiting so long to get a pet again. It was nice to be able to get one for you. and so far you've all been really great about helping to take care of her, getting her water and walking her and playing with her. Deanna, you've even helped me try to paint her toenails. LOL! Too bad she wouldn't let us finish. Now she's walking around with one toe nail red! : ) Maybe she'll let us finish it sometime, bu that's not likely. She hates the smell - I can't really blame her for that one. They do kind of stink. Okay, they really stink. Ha ha!

So anyway, Dad's making his gumbo tonight for dinner. I can't wait - it's going to be so yummy. I love it when he cooks and not just because I don't have to! Of course that is a very good reason to love it! Dad always cooks so good. I'm better with the baking but I have to admit that I've gotten really good at cooking. I guess it really does just take practice. I'm hoping to make a Guidry cookbook - a new tradition for our family. You know like a collection of my favorite recipes, all the ones you guys love. Then I'll hand a copy of it down to all of you girls. Then after you've been on your own and had time to find your own favorites, you'll make your own recipe book and they'll be handed down to your kids. Imagine how many recipes your kids will have when they're grown. They'll have my book, your book, and their aunts recipe books. 4 each. Wish I had had that available to me when I first started out. It would have been nice to give your father real food! LOL! I think he would have like that too! Ha Ha! : ) We'll see if I can get it all together. I'm pretty excited with the idea. Who knows - maybe it will end up being some sort of enterprise! That would be awesome.

Song of the Day: "In My Next Thirty Years" by Tim McGraw

Day 11 (Oops - missed Days 9 and 10)

So I've missed a couple of days - I've been sick with this lovely head cold lately. I just didn't feel up to writing those days. I'm still not feeling great. Your dad was home most of the day and I didn't end up spending much of it with him unfortunately. I was asleep the majority of the time. But hopefully I'll be feeling better tomorrow and I'll have something truly fabulous to write about. I can tell you that your dad and I are going tomorrow to get fingerprinted at the school so we can volunteer at the school as well as at PTO functions. We're both getting excited about helping out with the school. I also see it as an opportunity to get a part time job at the school. I'm really hoping to get a job there - I think it'd be a perfect fit for me. I guess we'll just have to see. So anyway, I'm not feeling up to writing a whole lot, but expect more in the coming days. Then I'll be feeling fine enough to write you a novel. LOL!

Song of the Day: "Heaven" by Bryan Adams ( I also like the same song by David Archuleta) : P

From the desk of your Dad

Just want to post my other blog

www.thevoteofnoconfidence.com

From the desk of Dad

Hello my little snug-a-bugs, I was just sitting here with your mother, who right now is just being herself (trust me you will understand by the time you read this). I was reflecting on my life, the ups and downs, the right and lefts and sometimes the pure calm. I was reading your mothers last input and thought about the times I would get off work and go jump out of a plane at 15000 feet and felt no fear. My life has been one heck of a ride and it made me think of something. If I died in some accident I might miss telling you girls some things that helped shape my thinking for example I remember one of our presidents said

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." — Theodore Roosevelt

In a nutshell that is a good summary of my past and more than likely my future. I sure hope you girls have this spirit in your character.

Love your old man, Daddy

Day 8 (Oops - missed Day 7)

So today is Labor Day - I have to say I'm sorry that I missed yesterday. I had hoped to get to my blog last night but it got late and I forgot. You know how my mind is. LOL! I'm sitting here on the chaise lounge in the den, listening to my MP3 player. Your dad's sitting in his usual favorite spot in the house - the recliner - playing a game on his computer. I love lazy days like today. Our family just hanging out in the house, nowhere to be, nothing that has to be done. It's a comforting thing to have a place where you just exist, where you can just be you and no one expects you to be otherwise. I think that's what a home really is - the one place in the world where you know you can be exactly who you have always been and the people around you will always accept and love you for it. Thank God for this place - like Dorothy said, there's no place like home.

I'm listening to Nickelback right now - one of my favorite songs actually "Gotta Be Somebody". I love falling in love with a song like that one. I was just talking to your dad about that - how some musicians can make you believe everything they sing. Nickelback is like that - you can feel the heart in their songs. Rascal Flatts is another group that I absolutely love. Their songs are all like gold - I don't think they've had one song that I didn't like. It's almost like they pack emotions into their songs that automatically take you back to a place where you felt the same way. They put so much into their music - it's not just about the words, though that's important. It's also the heartache or love or emptiness you hear in their voices. Whatever the song calls for - it's there. I love music like that - that connection with the audience and what they've gone through. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about - you girls have each already shown a love and understanding for music. I'm so glad to have shared that love with you, and I can't wait to see how it helps each of you, what it means to each of you. One thing you can always say about music - it'll always be there for you. When some boy's broken your heart, there will be a song to commiserate with you, then one to help you get past it and move on. There will be songs for everything you go through - I've found that to be the truth all of my life. I hope you find the same comfort from it that I have.

Song of the Day: "I'll Be There For You" by the Rembrandts

Day 6

So today is Saturday and it is a perfectly beautiful day. Robert, Sandy, Ty, and Ryan are all here and it looks like it's going to be an excellent day! There's something so serene about sitting here on the swing watching you kids riding your bikes and scooters. I wish you could  see this day through my eyes - it's a perfect example of the last of our summer days. The sky is the brightest shade of blue I've seen in a while. Your father would say that it's a perfect day for skydiving. I know he'd love to do that again. Not me - I firmly believe that if God wanted me to go flying through the air he'd have given me wings! LOL! I guess it's all about perspective! Anyway, I'm sitting here listening to my mp3 player and Ty's talking about his driving misadventures in Driver's Ed. His teacher tends to hit the brakes when he's driving. Ha! Ha! There's a shocker - a teenager driving too fast! How funny - I don't think I'd be running around telling anyone that! : ) I'd bet plenty of money that you girls will be like that too!

Song of the Day: "I'm Alright" by Jo Dee Messina

Day 5

So, today I spent my time doing laundry (can I say yuck?) and straightening the house. And let me tell you - it sure needed it. It was beginning to look like a tornado had come through! LOL! I've been spending a lot of time watching this show, One Tree Hill. It started with high school drama, but it's turned into a great show about life. It's always so cool when you find a show on TV that captures you. One that makes you laugh out loud. One that breaks your heart and makes you cry. I think the best shows are the ones that make you feel like you truly know the characters. And watching each episode is like seeing into a friend's life. That's when you know you have a great tv show.

So, anyway, Big Daddy got up this morning and decided to shave all his facial hair off (not counting the eyebrows of course! LOL!) OMG - it was scary! I've told him before that it looks odd to me because 99% of the time we've known each other, he's had a goatee or at least a moustache. And without those it seems strange. Still he decided to go for it and here we are. Every time I look at him today I can't seem to stop myself from staring at his upper lip! : ) Of course he defended himself by saying that today at work, someone hit on him. I guess he was trying to prove that he still looks good. He can say all he wants to, but the truth remains: he looks a million times better with the goatee! LOL! Too bad the man never listens to the genius in the family, namely me. Ha! Ha!

Song of the Day: "Darlin Daughter of Mine" by Mike Bunn

From the desk of Dad

OK girls, I have done gone and done it, me and your Mom have joined the PTO. Just remember we do this for you girls. I am watching American Gladiators with your Mom, man I would love to get on that show. Your Mom said its like we are finially settled in to Jacksonville now, yep, feel like home now. I love you my little bugs.

Day 4

You girls had a tough time getting ready for school today - it seemed we were behind the whole time. You got outside just a couple minutes shy of the bus coming! I thought for sure you'd miss the bus today. Tori - you had your homework folder and your agenda left around the house and had to go find it all. Summer your agenda was on the floor in the hallway. Deanna you had your agenda in the living room. Evidently we still need to work on responding to "put all your stuff in your backpack before you lose it." Hopefully you'll do better today. I'd hate for you to go to school and get in trouble for not having your homework - especially when you actually did do it!

I talked to Granddaddy today. It was so great to talk to him. You'd be amazed at the wealth of wisdom he can give you in just a short amount of time. Your daddy's been in a lot of pain lately with his knee and Granddaddy was giving me some information to give Daddy to help it. You know how Daddy doesn't like to take medicine. Well neither does Granddaddy so he was telling me about some stuff that Daddy can take at home that's better for your body. I still remember how your father teased Granddaddy about being obsessed with vinegar. Your grandfather swears by it and he's been trying forever to get us to take it. And finally when your Daddy's knee started bothering him, he started using the vinegar everyday. And now, your father's just as obsessed with the vinegar too! LOL! It's funny how that happens. I guess he had some crow to eat! : )

You know - I also talked to Granddaddy about Aunt Sabre. It's been really tough lately dealing with all the anger at your aunt. I told your grandfather all about what I thought about the situation, and he helped me a lot. He always gives such good advice and he never makes you feel bad for being truthful about how you feel. You guys sure have a great granddaddy! I have to say that I've always wished I had had a grandfather like you girls do. You really are blessed, you know?



Song of the Day: "Grandpa, Tell Me Bout The Good Old Days" by the Judds

Day 3

It's funny how life can be sometimes. You go through tough times, where the money's tight and it's just so overwhelming. I'm sure by the time you girls read this, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. It's those times when you truly realize what being an adult means. It's going through the hard stuff and keeping your head high. It's sticking it out and finding ways to make the money last. That's what was worrying me today. How to make sure we had enough money to help you girls out with your school candy sale, and how to pay for the car repairs. It was getting me down just a bit, but then I started talking to Kelly on IM. It's amazing what a  few minutes talking with a good friend can do. It wasn't that my problems were gone or that the solution was suddenly there; it was just knowing that someone cared. That my life meant something to someone. You see girls, life is like that all the time. Down one minute and up the next. It's a roller coaster and sometimes when everything seems to go wrong you just have to hang on with all your strength. The good will come - it always does. You just have to wait for it. Trust in it and believe that you're strong enough to make it till the tide comes in. Life's complicated but it's a beautiful thing. That's the reason for this day's song. Check it out. I love you girls. You're always in my heart and I hope today's post will remind you to hang in there. Tomorrow's a new day.


Song of the Day: " Sounds Like Life To Me" by Daryll Worley

From the desk of Dad

Hello my little Heidi knockoffs ;0) Well its 8:40 pm I just got off work and I am tire, my knee, hip and shoulder hurts but I thought I would drop yall a line to say hi, as always I can hear Tori having as much fun as any microsecond can hold. Girl you are just like me, burning the candle at both ends and in the middle just remember when you get older it will bite you in the but or leg or knee or ect..... LOL I have not seen Deanna yet, I have to say it bothers me a little bit, you used to be the first one to knock down the door to give me a hug but I know yall are having fun so knock yourselves out. I love yall good night

Day 2

Well, today was a long day girls. Believe it or not, I actually cut grass today. And not just one yard, but two. Frankly, I'm exhausted! : ) You girls have been in school for exactly one week today, and it's great to see you guys still come flying in the house excited about school. I'm so glad that you're all still enjoying it. Of course it helps that you have such great teachers.

Right now I sitting here in the den, watching "Monk" and listening to Summer chatter on and on about her multiplication game on the computer. You know Summer - right now you may struggle with those multiplication tables, but I promise you'll get the hang of it. Playing those games will help a lot and at least it's more fun than me giving you tests everyday! LOL!

Tori, you got in trouble today at school. Three times. I guess you just have those days where you just can't keep quiet! Don't worry honey - we all have those days! And eventually, you'll learn to control that a bit - well anything's possible! : ) Of course, you also got into trouble for getting out of line, but you had a good reason. Not that I told you that! LOL! It's sweet that you were getting out of line to hug your sister! You may be the wild child of the bunch, but you have such a good heart.

Deanna, I've got to say that you are such a great student! You came home today and like most days you went to work on homework and got it finished lickety-split! Is that a word? : ) It was so funny the first day of school when you got home and you had to tell me that the teacher had given you a yellow face. I asked you what had happened and you did that cute little guilty look and said - I kept interrupting. I couldn't keep from giggling! You're such a trip!

I don't know about you girls, but I have to say - I'm enjoying this blog! I keep thinking how much fun it's going to be to write about all those embarrassing moments in your lives. Ha! Don't forget - I still love you! Always and forever. Night girls.


Song of the Day: "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

From the desk of Dad

Well Tori you got 3 bad marks today in school, you got one for getting out of line to hug Nanna. You got in trouble but I just wanted to say I hope you still like hugging you sisters anytime you see them. It does a Daddys heart good. I love you girls.